Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine.  It is an extremely common condition.  Estimates suggest that over 10 million people in the United States suffer from some kind of incontinence.  The cost to Americans is staggering, estimated at billions of dollars each year.

While the term incontinence is used in general, several specific types have been defined.  Stress incontinence is the loss of urine with activities such as coughing, sneezing and laughing.  Even activities such as walking may bring on stress incontinence in some individuals.  Urge incontinence is defined as an uncontrollable urge to urinate and often is associated with inability to reach the toilet in time.  Mixed incontinence has features of both stress and urge incontinence.  Overflow incontinence can occur when the bladder is overfilled because of a blockage or an inability to empty.

The physicians and staff at Central Arizona Urologists are eager to evaluate and treat all patients with the problem of incontinence.  Evaluation is usually performed in an office setting in one or two visits.

Once a specific diagnosis is established, treatment may be as simple as an oral medication.  Some patients may require surgical correction of their problem.  The physicians at Central Arizona Urologists use minimally invasive techniques, including transvaginal slings to address the problem of stress incontinence.  Other treatments include the use of periurethral bulking agents, such as collagen and Durasphere.

The physicians at Central Arizona Urologists use minimally invasive techniques, including transvaginal slings and Tension-free Vaginal Tape to address the problem of stress incontinence.

While the problem of incontinence is complex and widespread, the treatment is often simple and easily available.  Often patients are embarrassed and unwilling to complain about this problem and they suffer in silence.  To find out more about treating this problem contact Central Arizona Urologists for an appointment.

Informative Urinary Incontinence Links:

National Institute of Aging

Urinary Incontinence in Adults

Man to Man

Home Delivery Incontinence Supplies

The Simon Foundation for Continence